Sunil's story:Accessing and achieving economic well being - work, learning and benefits

Sunil contacted POhWER as he wanted information to help him take part in education and social activities. Although Sunil has a social worker, communication is difficult because there are language issues as English is not Sunil’s first language.

POhWER’s support centre noted language requirements when Sunil first made contact and Amira was the advocate who was allocated as she could converse with Sunil in his first language.
Sunil gave his consent for Amira to contact the learning disabilities team (LDT) who said they were having difficulties in gauging what kind of support Sunil wanted as it appears that he has learning difficulties and lacks confidence in English.
Although Sunil works in a fast food restaurant for 20 hours a week, the LDT was concerned that he was socially isolated. The social worker didn’t know about Sunil’s social network but said he had been given information about Passport to Leisure, to help him take part in leisure activities.
Amira met with Samir and established that the main issue for him was to find and enrol on a suitable course. He was unable to do a course of level 3 or above and wanted to enrol on a course below this level, but the local college had told Sunil he is not allowed to do this. Sunil asked Amira to make enquiries to see what courses might be available for him and if his disabilities would entitle him to any discount in fees.

During the meeting it was apparent that Sunil had communication difficulties, stammering, and having problems with finding the right words; he said he would like help to express himself at meetings.
When she next met with Sunil, Amira gave him information about local cultural groups, a self advocacy group, the local library and mosques. She also went through the college prospectus with him and discussed where his interests lie and how these fit with his options. Sunil was interested in health and social care courses or electronics. The advocate discussed the options regarding the college offering support with courses.

When Sunil visited the college to discuss his course requirements, he was able to enrol on a social care course and gained a grant. He has also joined a local support group and has engaged with his local religious centre.

This is just one example of how POhWER works to support people to be able to access and achieve economic well being, including access to work, learning and benefits.

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